Are you an ambitious Ethiopian student aspiring to study abroad with full financial support? The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship 2025–26 is now accepting applications, offering you a remarkable opportunity to pursue your academic dreams at leading universities in Japan.

Funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), this Fully Funded Scholarship program enables Ethiopian nationals to undertake undergraduate, graduate (Master’s/PhD), or college of technology studies at prestigious Japanese institutions. The MEXT initiative not only supports academic advancement but also strengthens global ties and intercultural understanding between Ethiopia and Japan.

Each year, thousands of international students benefit from the MEXT Scholarship, gaining exposure to Japan’s world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and culturally rich environment. If you are dedicated to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and personal growth, this opportunity may change your life.

Host Country:

Japan

Program Location:

Various Japanese Universities

Host Organization:

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), Japan

Program Duration:

• Undergraduate Program: 4–5 years

• Research (Master’s/PhD) Program: 2–3 years

• College of Technology Program: 3 years

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines including:

• Engineering and Technology

• Natural Sciences

• Social Sciences

• Health Sciences

• Humanities

• Japanese Language and Culture

The scholarship aligns with Japan’s vision to foster globally-minded professionals capable of contributing to international development and cooperation.

Benefits

The MEXT Scholarship offers a comprehensive package of financial and academic benefits designed to ensure that recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial burden:

• Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of study

• Monthly living stipend:

  • Undergraduate students: Approx. 117,000 JPY

  • Research students (Master’s/PhD): Approx. 143,000–145,000 JPY

• Round-trip international airfare between Ethiopia and Japan

• Free Japanese language training (if required before academic program begins)

• Health insurance coverage throughout the scholarship period

• Opportunity to live and study in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world

• Access to global research networks and high-impact innovation hubs

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the MEXT Scholarship:

General Requirements:

• Must be a citizen of Ethiopia

• Must be willing to learn the Japanese language and adapt to Japanese culture and academic life

• Should demonstrate strong academic records and high motivation to study abroad

For Undergraduate Applicants:

• Must have completed 12 years of formal education (Grade 12)

• Must be aged between 17 and 25 at the time of application

For Research (Master’s/PhD) Applicants:

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD)

• Must be under 35 years of age

• Must submit a research or study plan relevant to their academic goals

For College of Technology Applicants:

• Must have completed at least 11 years of formal education

• Must be aged between 17 and 25 at the time of application

Note: Applicants should not have previously received a MEXT scholarship unless they have had at least three years of education or research since their last award.

How to Apply

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is accepted:

1. Visit the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia’s website to access the official MEXT Scholarship application forms and guidelines.

2. Download, fill, and type all required documents. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

3. Prepare your documents in the specified format, printed on A4-size paper.

4. Ensure all documentation is in English or Japanese. If translated, documents must be certified.

5. Submit your complete application package by postal mail only. Hand delivery or email submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Address:

Embassy of Japan
Cultural and Press Division (MEXT Scholarship)
P.O. Box 5650
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Required Documents

Make sure to include all of the following documents with your application:

• Completed official application form (typed)

• Academic transcripts with official stamps

• Graduation or degree certificates (certified and stamped)

• At least one letter of recommendation (signed and stamped)

• Medical certificate using the prescribed MEXT format

• Research or study plan (required for research students)

• Proof of language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT), if available

• Passport-size photographs (must be glued to forms, not stapled)

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Selection Process Timeline

The MEXT selection process consists of several stages to ensure only the most qualified and motivated candidates are selected:

• Document Screening: Ends May 30, 2025

• Written Examination: Tentatively scheduled for June 2025

• Interview: Tentatively scheduled for July 2025

• Primary Screening Results: Announced by late July 2025

• Secondary Screening by MEXT Japan: August–October 2025

• Final Selection Results: Released in November 2025

• Departure to Japan: April or October 2026

Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages. Due to the high volume of applications, inquiries regarding individual application status will not be entertained.

Why Choose Japan?

Studying in Japan opens doors to a highly developed education system, an unparalleled technological ecosystem, and a deep-rooted culture that blends innovation with tradition. Japanese universities consistently rank among the top in Asia and globally, offering cutting-edge resources, collaborative research opportunities, and globally recognized degrees.

Moreover, the experience of living in Japan promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional skills development—attributes essential for emerging leaders, researchers, and global citizens.

Application Deadline:

May 30, 2025

All documents must be received by this date via postal mail. Do not wait until the last minute—ensure your application is complete and submitted well in advance.